Fall color Grand Teton National Park
Hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, floating down the Snake River—baby boomers will find plenty of activities to keep them busy on a visit to Grand Teton National Park in Moose, Wyoming. And don’t get me started on the photographic opportunities that wait around every turn as you travel along Teton Park Road or Jenny Lake Scenic Drive. Since the park is open year-round, a winter trip to Grand Teton includes frosty boomer adventures such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing or a visit to the National Elk Refuge at Jackson Hole.
Alan and I traveled to Grand Teton during an ambitions Western National Park road trip that also included stops at the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks before joining a Tauck tour of the Canadian Rockies in Calgary, Alberta. We explored Grand Teton on two October days when the sky was a cornflower blue and aspen trees reflected a golden glow in the water at Oxbow Bend. Our photographic antenna was on overload to say the least.
For accommodations, we chose Signal Mountain Lodge rather than the more luxurious Jenny Lake Lodge or Jackson Lake Lodge. The rustic two-room log cabin was clean and within walking distance of our two dining choices – The Peaks (dinner) and Trapper Grill (breakfast). Meals came with a view that was even better than the delicious food.
Signal Mountain Lodge cabin
On our first Grand Teton day, Alan and I watched the morning fog lift to reveal snow covered mountain tops as we sat by the window at Trapper Grill enjoying a breakfast of eggs florentine with portobello mushrooms. Properly fueled for the day, we embarked on a combination driving and hiking tour.
First up, a 2-mile hike to the north shore of Jenny Lake. While Alan rested his sore back at the boat dock, I continued .7 miles uphill to Hidden Falls. A bridge crossed over the water, giving me another trail to enjoy before meeting up with Alan at the boat dock for a pontoon boat ride back to the south shore of the lake.
As the drive continued along Teton Park Road, we discovered the Church of the Transfiguration. The Episcopalian log chapel sits in a meadow with the Grand Tetons as a backdrop. Peeking inside, I saw a woman preparing the church for a wedding. Blue and white hydrangeas, placed in mason jars and metal tins, decorated the window sills. The large window behind the altar framed the rugged mountains in a breathtaking scene. I was ready to drag Alan inside to see if we could join the romantic ceremony and renew our vows.
Oxbow Bend
On the return drive to Signal Mountain Lodge, we scoped out Oxbow Bend for the next day’s sunrise shoot. Moose grazed near the water that had captured the reflection of the gray jagged peaks of the Tetons along with golden fall color from the trees. The dream scene was repeated the next morning. Joining at least 20 or 30 photographers lined up along the road, Alan and I waited for the sunrise and our chance to photograph the beautiful setting.
Have you visited Grand Teton National Park? Leave a comment to tell me about your favorite activity. Alan and I are anxious to return for more baby boomer travel adventure. Next time, I’d like to float down the Snake River.
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{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
This post brings back memories of our trip to Grand Teton a couple of years ago. Of all the parks we WY/MT, Teton was the one we'd most like to go back to spend some serious time visiting.
Beautiful photos, Donna!
Stunning photographs Donna. We are HUGE fans of our nation's National Parks.
The coolest way to Grand Teton National Park? Charter / hire a private rail car attached to Amtrak's California Zephyr train from San Francisco or Chicago to Salt Lake City, enjoy a stop over here before traveling on to the Park by road (300m). Don't worry – the rail car can wait for your return.
Twitter: DonnaLHull
April 8, 2010 at 3:26 pm
I agree. The National Parks offer such a variety of experiences. Do you have a National Park on your travel schedule? I look forward to viewing one of your videos.
Twitter: DonnaLHull
April 8, 2010 at 3:27 pm
What a unique way to visit the Grand Tetons. This is certainly an option for those who like to travel by train. Thanks for the suggestion.
Twitter: DonnaLHull
April 8, 2010 at 3:28 pm
Dominique, we'd love to go back to Grand Teton. Two days is not enough time to explore. I think I'd like to go back in the winter.
Twitter: DonnaLHull
April 8, 2010 at 3:29 pm
Thanks, Beth. Those shots were taken with a very small Pentax Optio digital camera, which proves that you don't need the most advanced camera to take a good shot. Baby boomer photographers, are you listening?
This is high on my list of places to see.Hard to believe I've not been there yet. Thanks for the great overview.
Absolutely loved the Tetons when we had a combined family trip there many years ago. My parents, my sister and her husband and their two young children and Ken and I and our two boys. While my sister's family camped, the rest of us shared a cabin at Colter Bay. We cooked pancakes every day over a campfire in the cool mountain air. And our favorite experience? Seeing a Mama Moose blocking our way on a trail around the lake. Thanks for the memories.
We are contemplating a National Park, with a cool lodge, for May. Just can't decide which one.
We only spent a day in the Tetons as a side trip on our visit to Yellowstone. We clearly have to go back!
It sounds absolutely glorious.
I can see why you always had your camera at the ready – is the sky always that blue and does it never rain?
Twitter: travelwonders
April 12, 2010 at 6:58 am
The reflection shot is simply magnificent and captures ther beauty of the park so well.
Great! Thank for information, I’m looking for it for a long time,
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